Project iMPPACS – University of Pennsylvania, Emory University, Brown University, Syracuse University, University of South Carolina Study to evaluate effectiveness of a safe sex/HIV prevention media campaign aimed at African-American teenagers Audience Research Media Production Message Development Media Placement 2006-2008 Project iMPPACS was a three-year, pilot intervention study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NMIH) and executed by a consor- tium of academic institutions — University of Pennsylvania’s Dr. Michael Hennessy and Dr. Daniel Romer, University of South Carolina’s Dr. Robert Valois, Syracuse University’s Dr. Michael Carey Brown University’s Dr. Larry Brown, and Emory University’s Dr. Ralph DiClemente. The objective of the study was to measure the efficacy of a safe sex/HIV prevention media campaign targeting African American teenagers. In 2006, MEE conducted focus group research with teens in two cities as a foundation for message development. The findings were used to refine radio and TV spots that included culture-centered counter-narratives to youth beliefs about sexual behavior. In 2007, MEE developed a series of culturally-sensitive and age-appropriate messages (for African American 14-19 year olds) that promoted atti- tudes that would lead to safer sex behaviors and risk reduction for sexually-transmitted infections. MEE was responsible for all campaign media production and media placement. Radio and television ads aired in Macon, GA and Syracuse, NY. The control cities were Providence, RI and Columbia, SC. The ads for the project received several national Telly Awards that recognized excellence in video and film production. “Check Yourself,” “That was Great,” “Class of 2008" and “Relationships” all won Telly Awards in 2007 and 2008. Preliminary testing confirmed that the ads were popular and thought-provoking. They were expected to enhance adolescents’ adoption of HIV-preventive attitudes, beliefs and behaviors on a community-wide basis. MEE Productions Inc. Academic Biographies 13.